Abstract
AbstractMarkazi Province has high potential for residential development due to its geopolitical location in the central part of Iran. This study investigated the possibility of residential area development in Markazi Province using a GIS‐based analytic network process. ArcGIS Version 10.6.1 and Super Decision Version 3.2 software were utilized for the zoning and assessment of criteria. All criteria, and their sub‐criteria, and limitations were gathered using national standards, literature review, and experts. According to the final residential area land suitability map, 16.74% of Markazi Province is highly or very highly suitable for urban development, even though 57.55% of the province's area (i.e., 30% of its current cities) are located in the exclusion zone. Results suggested that most parts of the province do not have desirable conditions for residential zoning. Further attention and deepened GIS monitoring over an extended period would be beneficial before future development is considered. In particular, the natural limitations in the region—such as slope—impede development potential. The study provides an alternative quantifiable and verifiable approach for sustainable urban planning from a land use policy perspective.
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